How to Get Rid of Junk Mail for Free

By Catie Carter

Sifting through and throwing away junk mail has become a typical part of life, often resulting in piles of unwanted mail all over the counters or taking up space in the garbage, but this pattern doesn't have to continue. Junk mail is advertising that comes in numerous forms from companies that you do business with or companies hoping to gain your business. Getting rid of junk mail doesn't have to be expensive, but it does require some time and patience.

Step 1

Register for mail preference service through the Direct Marketing Association to be removed from numerous mailing lists. Most national marketers adhere to the Direct Marketing Association's "do not mail" list, so this one step should cut down on all types of junk mail.

Step 2

Contact companies directly, and ask to be taken off their mailing lists. You can usually find contact information on the junk mail itself. Be persistent, and pay attention to opt-out clauses normally listed on the bottom of the advertisement.

Step 3

Call 888-5OPTOUT (888-567-8688) to opt out of approved credit offers and mailings. The three major credit bureaus--Equifax, Experian and Transunion--provide this service. It is a fast way to get all three bureaus to stop giving out your information to marketers.

Step 4

Change your phone book listings to private. This step is especially helpful for getting rid of local solicitation. Simply call the phone book provider in your area, and ask to be taken out of the White Pages or to have your listing changed to private.

Tips & Warnings

When you sign up for newsletters or catalogs you are interested in or you order things, ask to not to be put on the businesses' mailing lists.